Introduction

Throughout the year visitors to Gyeongbokgung Palace can watch a reenactment of the historical “changing of the royal guards” ceremony, which is held at the Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun plazas. As well as this event, visitors can dress up in a traditional gatekeeper's uniform or in royal court attire and take photographs in front of Gyeonghoeru, thought to be the most beautiful pavilion in Korea.

The Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony - The royal guards of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) were in charge of protecting the gates of the capital city and the royal palace. The royal palace guards, who were known as the ‘Wanggung Sumunjang', had the very important duty of protecting the king. They were in charge of opening and closing the palace gates, inspecting all visitors, and maintaining a close surveillance of the palace. They were divided into day and night shifts, and this ceremony used to take place every day when the shifts changed over.

The Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony now takes place daily all year long, excluding Tuesdays when the palace is closed. The ceremony is reenacted exactly as it used to be held, with guards wearing the Joseon uniforms, carrying traditional weapons and playing instruments. The ceremony takes place every hour on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

There's also Dress up in traditional Joseon costume. In front of the Gyeonghoeru pavilion, visitors to the palace are able to dress up in the uniforms of the royal guards and have their photo taken. As well as the royal guard uniforms, Hanboks (traditional Korean clothing) have been specially prepared for children. Best of all, the program is completely free.